Keyword research is typically done via the following tools:

• Google Keyword Tool

• SEO Book Keyword Suggestion Tool
• Overture Search Term Suggestion tool (free)
• Google Keyword Sandbox (free) or
• Wordtracker (free trial)

Note: I later did a more in depth review of keyword research and keyword suggestion software.

recently Digital Point hacked together a free keyword research tool that uses both Overture and Wordtracker. This tool does a good job of showing the inaccuracies either tool alone may present. Here is their tool if you would like to try it...

The more you read, the more you realize how narcissistic many top professionals are. Everyone believes that what they are doing is not getting its fair share of coverage.

The experts are usually viewed as the experts for a reason though. While they may say some incorrect or far reaching ideas, most of their ideas are "Spot On."

With that being said here are Jakob Nielson's "Top Ten Usability Errors of 2003."

The problem with any general web monitoring software which has publicly available results is that it is open to abuse. Alexa is a browser plugin owned by Amazon.com which detects user traffic and ranks the web on it.

The problems with Alexa are that
1.) it has an incredibly small user base.
2.) it is very easy to manipulate.

http://www.sitereturn.com/ is a network which places computers on autopilot to search other peoples websites through alexa while you are away. In return you get half your visits back by others linked into the same ring.

Its fun to read terms of services from such networks as they try to appear ethical and as if they have standards. "Should you wish to promote a site that is adult in nature, we suggest creating neutral pages for the sole purpose of boosting Alexa ranking." - good stuff

With the current change in the Google Algorithm it is apparent that a better way to make money off the interent may be by running ads in a directory of something that intersts you instead of trying to convert customers and make sales. If those in charge of information distribution on the interenet dictate that they want to lead people to information vice commerce it would not be that hard to comply :)

With that being said, I recently asked for "Software to make a directory" at the Highrankings Forums.

Jill recommended Free PHP Directory Script
a couple other recommended products:
Link Department
PHPhoo

My biggest complaint with the first version is that the full feature version costs $700. They would actually sell quite a few coppies if they were smart enough to drop the price to around $100.

I am going to try out a few of the others before I go too far with the first one...just to see what they are like. From my guess Link Department will end up being my favorite of the three (after I actually try it).

In a few weeks I will unveil a few new directories and which script is my favorite.

Most search engine traffic comes from the top few search engines. Time spent registering a website with all kinds of small random third pary engines is just a waste of time. As hard as it may be for you to promote your own business imagine how hard it would be to promote a search engine, especially one with no technological advantage over those already in existance.

As part of my service to do good on the internet I will point out crap offers for garbage software I do not use.

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